FOOTSCRAY 5 def by HARLEQUIN 19 - Henry Turner South Reserve, Cnr Farnsworth Ave & Myers Rd
Harlequin have returned to the winners list in Round Four with a comfortable win over Footscray, a side who have struggled to get off the ground so far in 2014.
Harlequin's defensive pressure was dominant in the match, denying Footscray of much needed scoring opportunities.
Quins fielded a young squad, with three Melbourne Rebels Under 20s making their first grade debuts, with scrumhalf Rian Olivier in the starting XV, and Ta Hosea and Angus Arundel making their maiden Dewar Shield appearances off the bench.
Footscray Head Coach Nic Henderson blamed missed opportunities and a high turnover rate for his side's fourth loss of the season.
"We failed to take our opportunities in attack with too many errors in attacking zones leading to turnovers. We didn't manage to build consistent pressure and therefore failed to score points even though we had the lion's share of possession.
"Stan Ili worked very hard for us at fullback and provided some spark in attack with plenty of cutting runs on counter attack and phase. His positioning and communication with the back three was very important in shoring up our defence against a very good Harlequins backline."
Harlequin can now look forward to a two weeks off, with the Easter break followed by the bye in Round Five. Footscray will be using the extra week to prepare for a very important match against fellow winless side, Power House.
Footscray 5 Tries: Josh Nuauamo. Conversions: nil. Penalties: nil.
Harlequin 19 Tries: Panapasa Ravouvou, Josh Meads, Landres Tekahu. Conversions: Lloyd Johansson (2). Penalties: nil.
MELBOURNE 14 def ENDEAVOUR HILLS 8 - Romanis Reserve, Orrong Rd, Prahran
The Unicorns have recorded a tight win against Endeavour Hills at home in Round Four, with both sides producing mixed results for fat this season.
Endeavour Hills started the season with an emphatic win over Power House, however have struggled to fire in recent weeks. Melbourne was comprehensively beaten in Round One by Harlequin, and have slowly been building as the season progresses.
It was a relatively even contest, with both sides scoring a try apiece, with the boot of Unicorns' flyhalf Paul McConnachie proving the difference, maximising from Endeavour Hill's mistakes with three penalty goals.
Unicorns' Head Coach Ellis Meachen was impressed with his side's first half performance, however was disappointed with their inability to put the game out of reach for Endeavour Hills.
"We played into the wind during the first half, playing some attractive Rugby, making good linebreaks. Jordy Reid was again solid for us, and we had some great consistency from loose forwards Tim Emery and Freddie Austin.
"Endeavour Hills were very strong from broken play, and some inaccurate option taking meant the game was close in the second half. We were threatening in the second half, but unable to finish Endeavour Hills off, keeping them in the game."
In Round Five, Melbourne will host Melbourne University, while Endeavour Hills will be looking to get their names back on the winners list, hosting Southern Districts.
Melbourne 14 Tries: Simione Eliega. Conversions: nil. Penalties: Paul McConnachie (3)
Endeavour Hills 5 Tries: Andy Brown-Molimau. Conversions: nil. Penalties Andy Brown-Molimau.
BOX HILL 45 def SOUTHERN DISTRICTS 34 - RHL Sparks Reserve, Cnr Middleborough & Canterbury Rd, Box Hill
Box Hill have continued their winning streak in Round Four, in another high scoring match against Southern Districts at their home base, Sparks Reserve.
Box Hill's attack has been firing in recent weeks, with Melbourne University the only side to defeat the rampant Broncos by a narrow margin in Round One.
Southern Districts, who are yet to record a win in 2014, have once again been highly competitive however are still unable to make the most of their opportunities and earn a victory.
Pirates' Head Coach Ross Sanders was weary of the Box Hill attack, preparing his side for a fast paced game, but was disappointed with his side's ability to defend against the Bronco's elusive backs.
"We were very conscious of the fact that Box Hill would want to play a high tempo, open running game and talked at length about the need to retain possession for long periods of time, which we were able to do for the majority resulting in 6 tries. What was most disappointing was that we discussed the importance of transitioning from attack to defence when we turned possession over however it was on these occasions that Box Hill punished us.
"Malofou Feterika playing in the midfield for the first time this season challenged the defence on a number of occasions with clever footwork and powerful runs whilst in the forwards, veteran Teariki Daymond, coming off the bench at halftime injected some life into the team with a high work rate and some strong ball carries."
Dan Maea, an assistant coach for the Broncos was pleased with his team's leadership and consistency, while also braising another solid performance from Rebel's scrumhalf Ben Meehan.
"Ben put on another great display for Box Hill this weekend; once again he had a major role in creating a try out wide which allowed Box Hill to take the lead in the 1st half. His ability to read play and connect on his passes has been a major feature for us. Ben's professionalism and attitude has certainly been a major factor and we look forward to what he can bring to our next match.
"Our captain Sione Puamau put on another strong performance and led from the front, he continued to have great support from his forward pack, despite injuries to key players. Ratu Rokotunaceva and Teo Fudakowski were great in both attack and defence this week, we also had great impact off the bench from Adam Lewis returning to first Grade and Sawani Saunitoga whose performance and bullish try was inspirational."
Box Hill will host the undefeated Moorabbin in Round Five, while Southern Districts will be looking to record their first win of the season against Endeavour Hills.
Box Hill 45 Tries: Save Waqalutu (2), Sefanaia Naivalu (2), Ratu Rokotunaceva, Filipe Koroibola, Sowani Saunitoba. Conversions: Sefanaia Naivalu (5). Penalties: nil
Southern Districts 34 Tries: Jarrod Eberhart, Dayne Hillier-Wilkinson, Junior Tuala, Gasa Tia Tia, Heine McFarland, Sean Mehrtens. Conversions: Jarrod Dowie (2). Penalties: nil.
MELBOURNE UNI 27 def by MOORABBIN 30 - HG Smith Oval, Macarthur Rd, Parkville
Moorabbin are the only undefeated side left in the competition, after holding off immense second half pressure from Melbourne University, to claim a thrilling 27-30 victory.
Both sides came into the match undefeated, setting up an exciting afternoon of Rugby. University were the first side to break through, scoring the opening two tries, however a firing 20 minutes of play from the Rams saw them take a comfortable 13-24 lead at half time.
Melbourne University continued to apply the heat during the second half to come within three points of the visitor's, however mistakes at the line-out and strong defence from the Rams prevented the Students from claiming top spot on the ladder.
University Head Coach Jason Jones was pleased with his side's performance, but rued careless mistakes made by the team late in the match.
"It wasvery tight tussle which befitted a top of the table clash in front a fantastic crowd. Our forwards appeared to edge the big Rams forwards for most of the game but some substitutions late in the game tilted the game back the Rams favour. At the end of the day, an opportunistic charge down try off a sloppy restart for the Students was probably the difference.
"Steve Fualau played another solid game, carrying ball with vigour and excellent execution at the set piece. 2013 Australian Schoolboys representative Fereti Sa'aga was our player of the day, scoring two tries, carrying the ball tirelessly for the full 80 minutes. Craig Cowley was also strong at fullback with a great defensive game and lots of confidence."
Melbourne Rebels Under 20s representative Pat Toeta once again had a strong game for the Rams, while Hooker Patrick Tauati was also prominent for the winning side.
Moorabbin will battle the on fire Box Hill Broncos in Round Five, while Melbourne University will clash with inner city rivals the Melbourne Unicorns.
Melbourne University 27 Tries: Fereti Sa'aga (2), Matthew Onesemo, James Nettleton. Penalties: James Nettleton (2). Conversions: James Nettleton. Penalties: nil
Moorabbin 30 Tries: Motusaga Ese, Lualua Vailoaloa, Patolo Toeta, Neli Sasulu. Conversions: Paul Tuia (2). Penalties: Paul Tuia (2)
GEORGIA PEDERSON
